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Shortness of breath — known medically as dyspnea — is often described as an intense tightening in the chest, air hunger, difficulty breathing, breathlessness or a feeling of suffocation. Very strenuous exercise, extreme temperatures, obesity and higher altitude all can cause shortness of breath in a healthy person. Outside of these examples, shortness of breath is likely a sign of a medical problem. Tightness in the chest can be caused by multiple issues. Reasons include infection, injury, anxiety, cardiovascular conditions, lung conditions, and digestive issues. If you feel like your chest is tightening, you may worry that you’re having a heart attack. However, gastrointestinal, psychological, and pulmonary conditions can also cause a tight chest. When to see a doctor about a tight chest You should see a doctor immediately if you suspect that you’re having a heart attack. Symptoms of a heart attack include: pain squeezing burning pain that lasts for several minutes continual pain in t